craftsmanship
Americannoun
-
the art or skill of a craftsperson.
Sophisticated craftsmanship created a wide range of stone artifacts and bone tools such as awls, fishhooks, and needles, as well as beads and pendants made from imported shell and copper.
The author's craftsmanship is evident in her portrayal of the nail-biting tension between the characters.
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the quality of being well-crafted or well-built.
Among the examples of fine craftsmanship in this barn are the lap joints and the decorative louvered windows.
Her exquisite hats are distinguished by their precision construction, unparalleled craftsmanship, and unique designs.
-
the product or result of skilled labor or craft.
There are several markets offering fruits, vegetables, and traditional craftsmanship.
Etymology
Origin of craftsmanship
Explanation
Craftsmanship is what skilled artists and builders demonstrate when they create something. A well-built log house or a gorgeous hand-knit blanket both require craftsmanship to create. Craftsmanship comes from craftsman, whose root is the Old English cræft, which originally meant "physical strength" and later evolved to mean "trade or handicraft."
Vocabulary lists containing craftsmanship
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But clever craftsmanship and a talented team aren’t enough to call something timeless.
From Salon ● Jul. 22, 2026
They created ready-to-wear suits, opened retail stores and created a reputation for unparalleled craftsmanship at a far lower price point than the tailors of Savile Row.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 9, 2026
Spectacular celadons in forms that imitate lotuses, gourds or melons decorated with delicate inlaid and under-carved designs demonstrate peak Goryeo dynasty craftsmanship.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 6, 2026
The Very Reverend Joe Hawes, Dean of St Edmundsbury, said: "This model now stands as a testament, not just to craftsmanship, but to what our community can accomplish together."
From BBC ● May 26, 2026
"The craftsmanship and the technology that went into making the lens assembly was something that may never be repeated," Saxe later commented.
From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
